What will we
see each day?
Our
itineraries are designed to be not too full - or too empty! Each day we'll
have breakfast at our hotel, followed by the day's activities. In the
evenings, you'll have the opportunity to join the devotional time. Enjoy
browsing the proposed itinerary.
IF =
In flight meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day
1: Friday, October 29, 2010: Depart
Our
adventure begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight to Berlin, Germany.
Meals will be served in flight. IF/D
Day
2: Saturday, October 30, 2010: Berlin, Wittenberg Upon our arrival in
Germany, we gather our luggage, and meet our driver and guide. We begin with a
coach tour of Berlin with a stop at the Museum of the Wall. The afternoon is
free to explore one of the many world-class museums, do some shopping or
relax. Then we take a short drive to Wittenberg where we have a welcome meal
at our hotel this evening. IF/D
Day 3: Sunday, October 31, 2010:
Wittenberg – Reformation Sunday
What
better day to visit Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, than Reformation Sunday, the
anniversary of the date when the Reformation officially began in 1517. We have
a chance to enjoy the medieval street fair and celebrations, as well as
special church services. Our guided tour of Lutherstadt-Wittenberg will begin
with visiting the church where Luther posted his 95 Theses. Although the
original door was destroyed in a fire, the replica has all 95 Theses in
bronze, which is magnificent. Next we tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House)
Museum. In 1508, when Martin Luther came to Wittenberg, he lived here with
other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora,
raised six children here. It's now a fascinating museum. B/D
Day
4: Monday, November 1, 2010: Erfurt
Today
we drive through the Thüringen countryside to Erfurt where we tour the
Augustinian Monastery in which Luther lived six years as a monk. We have time
to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, and walk across the
famous Krämer Bridge. On Cathedral hill, we visit St. Mary's Cathedral and St.
Severin's Church. We stay in Erfurt this evening and soak up the atmosphere of
this historic city. B
Day
5: Tuesday, November 2, 2010: Eisenach, Worms
This
morning our travel takes us to Eisenach for a tour of the Wartburg Castle,
where Luther translated the New Testament into German. Then we continue on to
Worms for a brief local walking tour to see the site of the Worms Debates
(Diet of Worms), now a park, with a plaque commemorating the Diet of Worms.
Nearby is the Reformation Monument, St. Peters, and the Church of the Holy
Trinity. Our guide will also share stories with us about Luther’s famous “Here
I stand” speech as well as stories of another Reformer, William Tyndale, who
finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in
England. We continue on to charming Heidelberg, where we dine at our hotel. B/D
Day 6: Wednesday, November 3, 2010:
Constance, Zurich
After
breakfast this morning, we drive to Constance to learn the story of Czech
Reformer John Hus. The Constance Cathedral, site of the Council of Constance
in 1415, is where Hus was sentenced to death for his so-called heresy. We see
the "Hussenstein", the stone that marks the very spot where Hus was burned at
the stake. Then we continue on to Zurich, our home for the next two nights. B/D
Day
7: Thursday, November 4, 2010: Zurich
Today a local guide
accompanies us as we learn much more about Zwingli on a tour of the key
Reformation sites in Zurich. We tour Zwingli’s church, the Grossmünster, where
he began his Reformation teaching in 1518 that led the way to Zurich’s
eventual freedom from Rome’s control. His little study (the "Zwingli-Stübli"),
in the official dwelling of the deacon of the Great Minster, is carefully
preserved in its original condition.We also view the Fraumünster, Zurich’s
famous Catholic Cathedral, where we admire the world famous Chagall stained
glass windows. The rest of the day is at leisure. B
Day
8: Friday, November 5, 2010: Geneva
This
morning we drive to Geneva where John Calvin brought Christ’s teachings to
eager listeners. After a walking tour of the old town, including the
Reformation Wall, we visit the Reformation Museum. The Museum paints a
comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day,
using the latest museum techno logies. Next door is St. Peter's Cathedral,
where Calvin often preached. The evening is free to maybe enjoy a fondue meal,
take a boat ride on Lake Leman or stroll along the promenade. B
Day
9: Saturday, November 6, 2010: Pisa - Montecatini Terme
We
start early this morning and take the long, but scenic drive to Tuscany. As we
get close we stop in Pisa to walk the grounds and see the famous leaning
tower. We stay overnight in the charming town of Montecatini Terme, near
Florence. B/D
Day 10: Sunday, November 7, 2010: Florence
- Montecatini Terme
Our
entire day is devoted to Florence. Our local guide takes us on a walking tour
of historic Florence to see Michelangelo’s incomparable “David” at Accademia,
the Piazza della Signoria and the breathtaking view from Piazzale
Michelangelo; then Giotto’s Belfry and Duomo, and the Baptistry with its
renowned “Gate of Paradise.” We also visit the Convent and Museum of St. Mark,
a former Dominican monastery which contains important frescoes by Friar
Andelico and the cells of Savonarola, who was prior of St. Mark’s. Later this
afternoon we explore and shop along the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge, built in
1345 is a riot of life and color and is famous for rows of shops lining both
sides, that have been reserved for gold and silversmiths since the 16th
century. We return to the hotel in Montecatini Terme this evening. B/D
Day
11: Monday, November 8, 2010: Rome
Today
we head for the Eternal City where we have a walking tour of Ancient Rome. We
visit the Capitoline Hill area, from which we view the Roman Forum. We also
visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The afternoon
and evening will be free to explore on our own. B
Day 12: Tuesday, November 9, 2010: Rome
This
morning we visit the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral, the home of the
Roman Catholic Church and the largest building in Christendom. We will visit
the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the work of
Michelangelo and his interpretation of Christianity. After some free time this
afternoon we enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. B/D
Day
13: Wednesday, November 10, 2010: Return
We transfer to the
airport this morning for our return flights home. B
Reformation Tours reserves
the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary.
While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are
unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute
alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the
time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment
in tour price the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.